Nansemond River High School’s track and field team has been excelling in the outdoor season, which has come as a bit of a surprise for coach Justin Byron.

The Warriors have been progressing well from the indoor season to the outdoor season. In Byron’s estimation, his team has been running faster than expected at this early point of the outdoor season.

“We are hitting on all cylinders right now,” Byron said. “It’s exciting. They are running scary fast right now. These kids are stepping on the track and are rolling.”

The girls’ team gets a lot of well-deserved attention on the local and national levels, but the boys’ team has also been impressive. Byron feels that this team is the strongest boys’ team he has coached since he has been at Nansemond River.

“Every time the boys step on the field they are having personal records, qualifying for states and nationals,” Byron said. “We’ve never had these types of performances in the boys’ program this early.”

So far the boys’ team has qualified for eight state events. Their 4×200 team recently ranked among the top five in the state in 5A.

“I’m excited about the boys’ championship potential,” Byron said. “If we get one this year, it will only be a preview of how good they can be in the future.”

Daiqwan Faircloth has qualified in both hurdle events in his first year of competing in the event. JeVon Waller continues to progress after becoming a state champion sprinter last year. Jacari Sain has been doing well in the 800-meter. Kevin Johnson has also shown well for the Warriors.

As for the girls’ team, they are continuing to make noise on the national and state level.

Recently sophomore Kori Carter was voted Virginia’s biggest sophomore star by Milestat. As championship season approaches for Nansemond River, Carter is projected to break a few records.

During the indoor season, she placed second in the state in the 300 hurdles. She is also capable of excelling in other events, such as the 500 and 200-meter dashes and the 400 hurdles.

“People ask me how good can Kori Carter be, and all I can say is she is special,” Byron said. “She’s one of those kids where she can only limit herself. The most impressive thing about her is she is the complete package.”

Carter is an extraordinary athlete, but she works just as hard off the track than she does on it. The sophomore has received just two B’s in her whole school career. Byron commended her commitment to being the best she can be.

The Warriors training program is set up for every athlete to peak in the championship part of their seasons. Though both teams are running faster than usual, they are still ready for what’s ahead.

Nansemond River will compete in the PenSouth Championships Friday at Todd Stadium in Newport News.